Point of Operation Potential Hazard: Point of operation—Injuries can occur if an operator’s hands slip as he or she is feeding the stock into the saw or if the operator holds his or her hands too close to the blades while cutting. The operator can also be injured when removing scrap or finished pieces from the table. Possible Solutions: Engineering Controls Enclose the portion of the ripsaw and crosscut saw above the table with a self-adjusting guard as shown. The guard must adjust to the thickness of the material being cut and remain in contact with it [1910.213 (c)(1) and (d)(1)]. Hinge the guard so the blades can be changed easily. Attach a brake to the motor’s arbor to stop the saw from coasting after it has been cut off, or have the operator remain at the saw station once the motor is shut off until the blade stops turning. Saw blade with a self-adjusting guard Work Practices Keep hands out of the line of the cut. Use a push stick for small pieces of wood and for pushing stock past the blade. [1910.213(s)(9)]

 

Other Moving Parts Potential Hazard: Other moving parts — Injuries can occur if the operator makes contact with the blade under the table or with the power transmission apparatus (if not enclosed). Table Saw Possible Solution: Engineering Controls Always guard the portion of the blade below the table. Protect operators from possible contact when reaching under the table [1910.213(a)(12)].

 

Kickbacks Potential Hazard: Kickbacks, when the blade catches the stock and throws it back toward the operator, are another major cause of injury. Kickbacks can result if the blade height is not correct or if the blade is not maintained properly. Kickbacks are more likely to occur when ripping, rather than crosscutting. Kickbacks also can occur if safe-guards are not used or if poor-quality lumber is cut. Table Saw Possible Solutions: Engineering Controls For ripsaws, use a spreader to prevent material from squeezing the saw or kicking back during ripping [1910.213(c)(2)]. Use anti-kickback fingers to hold the stock down in the event that the saw kicks back the material [1910.213(c)(3)]. Work Practices Use the proper blade for the cutting action. For example, do not use a crosscut blade for ripping. Operate the saw at the speed specified by the manufacturer. Maintain and sharpen the blade [1910.213(s)(2)]. Leave sufficient clearance for stock. Stand to the side of the saw blade to avoid injury due to kickback. Guide stock parallel to the rip fence to minimize the potential for kickback. Avoid crosscutting long boards on table saws. Considerable hand pressure is required close to the saw blade, and the boards create a safety hazard to other people. Use a filler piece between the fence and the saw blade when necessary, such as when there is little clearance on the fence side. Properly support all pieces of stock, including the cut and uncut ends, scrap, and finished product.

 

Flying Particles Potential Hazard: Flying particles — The cutting action of the blade may throw wood chips, splinters, and broken saw teeth. Table Saw Possible Solution: Work Practices Remove cracked saw blades from service. [1910.213(s)(7)]

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